New Zealand
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09/10/2021
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I am from the uk originally but came to Wellington for a week around 20 years ago and didn't leave! The kids have grown up fast and are now 17 and 16 years old. My son splits his time between here and his Dads.
I am generally pretty laid back- and in the evenings I enjoy relaxing with a cup of tea. I love to hear about different cultures and life experiences. A bad back has meant I can't do as much as I used to physically.
That and other priorities has meant the home and garden needs a bit (ok...a lot) of love and skill. If you tell me what you enjoy doing am sure we can find a perfect project!
Location-wise there is a local walking track nearby and 2km down hill to the local beaches (good for surfing) and marine reserve (good for swimming/ snorkeling) and the same distance to local bars/ shops or 5km to Courtenay place / Cuba street (Wellington CBD) or Airport. Bus service runs hourly during the day.
On street parking (free) available if you have a car or campervan.
Boardgames (Catan is the current favourite but open to others!) and exchanging travel stories (both past and planned) are available - or can give you some space to chill on your own if you prefer.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
We love meeting new people and hearing about their culture and life experiences. Happy to introduce you to Settlers of Catan and when my son is home he will often explain more about the NZ culture. We can also show you how to make lemon curd and soda bread.
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
There are lots of mini projects to choose from depending on your skills and preferences...and how long you would like to stay in the coolest little capital city in the world!
My goal is to transform the current jungle like, messy garden into a well balanced, maintable eco friendly garden (space to chill/relax, space to grow and maybe even a self filtering pond / water feature)...I have a rough idea based on permaculture principles but need someone who is handy on the tools and capable to make it happen and perhaps bring a little vision of their own! Would love it if some of the existing materials can be repurposed as much as possible.
Mini projects include (in no particular order although would love the garden bits to be underway before Christmas so can enjoy some outdoor time next summer):
Building a small stone feature wall
Fixing the garage and shed roof / gutter and attaching rainwater tank
Building accessible garden beds including a self watering system ready for planting next year
Laying paving stones and creating a terrace like area with rockery / herb garden
Building a small / medium sized deck
General home maintenance
General garden maintenance (weeding, hedge trimming, sweeping, planting, cutting the grass, tree pruning / lopping etc)
Build a chicken coop / run
Grafting fruit trees
Preparing and painting house exterior (I have scaffolding and equipment handy)
Building a fence
Making simple roman blinds (sewing or non sew method)
Making removable fitted covers for the sofas etc
Help design a home renovation plan (perfect for an architect or draftsperson)
Install floating wooden floor in kitchen and bathroom areas
Fixing a retro radiogram
Help springclean and organise the home and shed
Listing items to sell online
Basically let me know what your skills and experience are and how long you would like to stay in Wellington and am sure we can find a suitable project(s)! The preference is that any project chosen can be finished rather than a little bit of everything (that's my challenge and the reason lots of things started but not finished!)
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Intermediate
French: Beginner
This host offers a language exchange
Always happy to learn a new language and to help others practice their English
Happy to accommodate individuals or couples or can make arrangements if you are travelling as a small group of friends - just let me know.
Private room with shared facilities.
Our home isn't flash and is a little tired but it has everything you need to relax, make/ eat/ share meals, play boardgames (or read a book) and of course sleep. Depending on when you visit it may be just me or my teen(s) may also be home (there is likely to be at least 1 if not both).
Accommodation and food/ shared meals (will stock up with the usual food items including fresh eggs from our chickens if they are laying and happy for us to cook together in the evenings if you would like - we love to learn new recipes and techniques!) in exchange for 4hrs / day (5 days a week).
Happy to be flexible on times etc so you also get to enjoy Wellington while here.
Singles, couples, friends (up to 3 at a time) or families are all welcome.
Must be ok with cats (we have 2) and chickens are in the garden too. Occasionally a dog comes to stay too.
I eat poultry and some seafood but not red meat like pork/ beef/ lamb (but the kids do so no issues if you do!). If you are vegetarian or vegan you are welcome (please be aware there will be meat in the home and chickens in the garden).
Maybe you can help teach me some of your favourite vegetarian or vegan recipes (I attempted to make vegan aquafaba meringues recently and they failed miserably but determined to try again!)
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Free on street parking is available if you have a car or campervan.
Please get in touch and let me know more about your pet(s) and will confirm if it will work. We have 2 cats, some chickens and an occasional small dog visitor here.
More than two
4 hours a day, 5 days a week (can be flexible to help you enjoy Wellington too)
